Your favorite tools for wrenching / tech tools for special applications

[zgensler31]

One that hasn't been mentioned is a bench grinder with a wire wheel on it. Just about every bolt that comes off my truck and any bracket etc gets a minute or more on the bench wheel to clean them up before going back on.

Especially so in doing brakes.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

My favorite piece of wrenching gear is probably my impact driver. Yes, I only use it a few times a year, but each time I use it, it saves my life and saves the head of the screw(s) I am removing. I most recently used it to take off the soft screws that hold the IAC onto the throttle body, and then remove the throttle body from the upper plenum. All the screws would not budge by hand. With it, piece of cake! I always buy 1/2" drive models, and I keep one in my tool kit for off-road adventures.
Impact Driver

Other highly desirable tools that I use, and carry with me on any adventures...
-Flexible grabber thing, along with a magnet - this also saves lives
-Cotter Pin Puller - I have used this to pull, pry, and scrape all sorts of things.
-Headlamp - priceless for nighttime trail fixes!

 

[KidVermicious]

One that hasn't been mentioned is a bench grinder with a wire wheel on it. Just about every bolt that comes off my truck and any bracket etc gets a minute or more on the bench wheel to clean them up before going back on.

Especially so in doing brakes.

Thanks for the reminder, I need a good wire wheel for my bench grinder. Right now I clean bolts with the angle grinder and it's a pain.

 

[amalik]

[MENTION=123173]Jhelms[/MENTION], thanks for all the notes.

I didn't understand the benefit of the go-thru socket though, how it differs from a normal socket in terms of screwing a bolt on or off.

I mean I somewhat understand it, it doesn't snap into the tool, the snap in area is 'empty' if you will, but still not seeing how that would benefit me.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

One that hasn't been mentioned is a bench grinder with a wire wheel on it. Just about every bolt that comes off my truck and any bracket etc gets a minute or more on the bench wheel to clean them up before going back on.

Especially so in doing brakes.

I should also get a wire wheel for my grinder and start doing this. Good advice. Instead, I sometimes use a brush on old, rusted threads, and I often use anti-seize. Anything suspension-related or exhaust-related gets anti-seize.

 

[Buckaroo]

I have a few sizes of Vessel Megadore JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdrivers that I really like - 900 and 980 series. They look like a phillips but are a slightly different design. Just what is needed to remove those pesky little MAF screws that round out so easily. All-in-all just great screwdrivers - good tools make working on the old T4R a joy.

http://www.vesseltools.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/view-all-products.html


The other tool I use a lot is a thread restorer kit to clean up rusty inside and outside threads. It is not as aggressive as a tap & die kit, removing corrosion, dirt,etc rather than base metal. This Craftsman kit is a great deal. It is made in the USA and the same kit is sold at a more expensive price under the Kastar and various tool truck brand names.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...er-kit/p-00942275000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL



Buckaroo

 

[zoombyu86]

[MENTION=123173]Jhelms[/MENTION], thanks for all the notes.

I didn't understand the benefit of the go-thru socket though, how it differs from a normal socket in terms of screwing a bolt on or off.

I mean I somewhat understand it, it doesn't snap into the tool, the snap in area is 'empty' if you will, but still not seeing how that would benefit me.

I bought a set for my old mazda that had coilovers. The top nut required tightening while holding the center bolt with an Allen. The nut was too far under the top of the fender that you couldn't use a wrench.

Other than that I've never needed them but still use them since this set is in a case vs lugging my toolbox around with socket set.

 

[aontkos]

Ratcheting crimpers!

I don't see how I did any electrical work without them...

 

[Jhelms]

I'm really considering a smaller media blaster, preferably a soda blaster for cleaning and prepping parts. Anyone have reasonable success with the sub $50 types?

I had a full size harbor freight cabinet for years and it worked excellent. When I downsized my garage, I got rid of it. Now that I am up-sizing again, I will likely buy another one. Works great! Never had a small one however.

 

[KidVermicious]

[MENTION=123173]Jhelms[/MENTION], thanks for all the notes.

I didn't understand the benefit of the go-thru socket though, how it differs from a normal socket in terms of screwing a bolt on or off.

I mean I somewhat understand it, it doesn't snap into the tool, the snap in area is 'empty' if you will, but still not seeing how that would benefit me.

They put the force of your pull much more in line with the fastener, so you're less likely to pop the socket off and round the nut. Very handy on long studs or bolts where otherwise you'd have to go to a deep socket or open wrench.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Oh this thread is going to be awesome.... I think my favorite simple little tool that is amazing when doing engine work is snap-on's Swivel socket extension set. They may look strange but on a 3/8 drive impact they make things fast

 

[Jhelms]

Ratcheting crimpers!

I don't see how I did any electrical work without them...

I hear ya, they are excellent. However my #1 crimping tool (and I have owned most all) Are specifically the channellock 909. I likely have 4-5 of them at work and at home combined. Still have my first pair from the mid 90's!
Channellock 909 The Crimper Wire Crimper, 9 1/2" Length, 10-22 AWG, Blue Handle - Walmart.com

I have ratcheting as well with a fulls set of jaws for about everything you could imagine (antennas, cable, splices, pins)

Another MUST HAVE tool. A good set of self adjusting auto strippers. There are probably 50 different brands of this type of stripper as the patent expired and a company private labels them for tons of customers. Just make sure the version you buy has a plate over the back-side spring and they are outstanding. I use a set from radio-shack that I do not think they sell any longer, branded kronus. However the Neiko 01924A is identicle.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...as2&linkId=KOPIJ4V3SDEASTAB&tag=vglnkc5751-20

 

[CO98SR5]

The other tool I use a lot is a thread restorer kit to clean up rusty inside and outside threads. It is not as aggressive as a tap & die kit, removing corrosion, dirt,etc rather than base metal. This Craftsman kit is a great deal. It is made in the USA and the same kit is sold at a more expensive price under the Kastar and various tool truck brand names.

Craftsman.com



Buckaroo

Those thread files that are in the Craftsman kit have saved my bacon more than once!

 

[Jhelms]

I have a few sizes of Vessel Megadore JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdrivers that I really like - 900 and 980 series. They look like a phillips but are a slightly different design. Just what is needed to remove those pesky little MAF screws that round out so easily. All-in-all just great screwdrivers - good tools make working on the old T4R a joy.

Screwdrivers | Hand Tools | VESSEL TOOLS


The other tool I use a lot is a thread restorer kit to clean up rusty inside and outside threads. It is not as aggressive as a tap & die kit, removing corrosion, dirt,etc rather than base metal. This Craftsman kit is a great deal. It is made in the USA and the same kit is sold at a more expensive price under the Kastar and various tool truck brand names.

Craftsman.com



Buckaroo

Good find, I have large tap and die sets but for most work / general quick cleanup, this set is perfect. Adding to my list.

 

[Jhelms]

Oh this thread is going to be awesome.... I think my favorite simple little tool that is amazing when doing engine work is snap-on's Swivel socket extension set. They may look strange but on a 3/8 drive impact they make things fast

Look nice and handy until I saw the $342 price for the 6 piece set :bravo::lmao::bravo: PN on this set is:206PFSXM. It is NICE to have it in a set and they look quite long. So good tool set for sure!

As an affordable alternate that gives to 95-98+% the functionality, just use a drive wobble extension set with a standard socket. Lets a socket do the same thing.
Some cheap HF options that work well (I have these sets):
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-pc-wobble-socket-extension-set-67971.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piec...impact-wobble-socket-extension-set-67066.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piec...impact-wobble-socket-extension-set-67065.html

 

[jhuerta22]

For non-power applications, this is my go-to ratchet every time I'm working on my Runner. Excellent for removing and installing parts due to the twist handle. Works exceptionally well in tighter spaces where you don't have much for ratcheting space.


http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-96...76131&sr=8-1&keywords=stanley+rotator+ratchet

 

[I_bRAD]

I bought a set for my old mazda that had coilovers. The top nut required tightening while holding the center bolt with an Allen. The nut was too far under the top of the fender that you couldn't use a wrench.

Sounds like it would be perfect for rear 4runner shocks!

 

[Jhelms]

For non-power applications, this is my go-to ratchet every time I'm working on my Runner. Excellent for removing and installing parts due to the twist handle. Works exceptionally well in tighter spaces where you don't have much for ratcheting space.


http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-96...76131&sr=8-1&keywords=stanley+rotator+ratchet

I have one of those in some offbrand form. I have never really given it a try but ratcheting the handle does sound easy to quickly loosen or tighten something before you crank on it. Good stuff!




Adding some more great oddball tools like the above.

I just acquired this a few months ago and so far, it has been a nice to have. Very low profile for tight spaces (not as tight as a thru hole socket set) And great to have a 1/4 and 3/8 handy on the same drive!
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-dual-head-ratchet-67993.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-dual-head-ratchet-67993.html

 

[KidVermicious]

Some cheap HF options that work well (I have these sets):

Oh gosh yes. I just bought a 3/8ths wobble adapter for my 1/4" impact driver and I'm sincerely in love with it. Do the HF wobble extensions lock in place when you push them back?

 

[Dezert4Runner]

E-Z out. Helped me extract a skid plate bolt that was rounded off. It was one of the ones that are recessed like 3" and a total b!tch to remove. HF ones worked great!